Wildfire tech in the sky: Muon Space helped launch three new FireSat microsatellites on a SpaceX rideshare, aiming to spot wildfires faster and with finer heat detail for the Earth Fire Alliance. Oregon batteries and AI power demand: ZincFive, a nickel-zinc battery maker, says it’s preparing for an IPO in Sept–Oct 2026 and is betting on AI data center growth for UPS backup cabinets. Student debt shake-up: New federal caps on graduate school borrowing are forcing students and colleges to scramble over costs and program access. Oregon semiconductor warning: A state-commissioned analysis says Oregon’s chip industry risks stagnation and becoming “insignificant,” urging support for newer smaller firms and more education investment. Local housing policy: Bend is considering easing infrastructure requirements (like sidewalks) and expanding fee-in-lieu options to speed small-scale housing. Privacy and surveillance: Oregon court precedent is cited in a renewed fight against Flock automated license plate reader cameras. Public health and environment: OSU research finds wildfire smoke doesn’t always make animals flee; it can trigger behavior shifts instead. Water quality check: Truckee Meadows Water Authority reports no harmful contaminant levels in its 2026 report.